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An exhibition entitled "Braving the Storm: Hong Kong under Japanese Occupation" is being held at the Thematic Exhibition Gallery of the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence from today (January 22) to June 29. With the display of invaluable artefacts and historical images from the war of resistance against Japan, the exhibition sheds light on the contributions that the people of Hong Kong made to the anti-Japanese efforts in China, and the city's days of darkness during the Japanese occupation.
After the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of July 7, 1937, the Chinese people put up fierce resistance together. Hong Kong's unique political and geographical position made it an ideal and major channel for China to import overseas supplies and a base camp for promoting the anti-Japanese campaign abroad. Throughout the war, the people of Hong Kong supported their compatriots in China with both human and material resources. The exhibits, including photos and letters on fundraising, bear testimony to how the intimately connected people of China and Hong Kong stood by one another through thick and thin.
After 18 days of fierce fighting, the troops defending Hong Kong finally admitted defeat and surrendered on December 25, 1941. The dark days of the Japanese occupation lasted three years and eight months until Japan's unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945.
During the occupation period, the Japanese army implemented a raft of harsh measures: supplies were requisitioned and military banknotes were over-issued, with the result that the economy stalled and people were forced to live in misery. Visitors will have a better understanding of the harsh life of the Hong Kong people through invaluable exhibits such as comics, utility bill receipts, newspapers and historical photos.
For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.coastaldefence.museum, or call 2569 1500.
Ends/Friday, January 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:00
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